Methods and systems for providing telecommunications services

ABSTRACT

The present invention is related to telecommunications. A call processing system receives a first call from a caller intended for a first person. A notification regarding the first call is transmitted over a network to a terminal associated with the first person. A user interface is displayed on the terminal via which the first person can indicate that a callback message is to be transmitted to the caller. The callback message is transmitted to the caller, wherein the callback message includes an identification of the first person, a callback control, and text indicating that the caller is to activate the control to initiate another call to the first person. At least partly in response to the caller activating the control, A second call to be placed via which the first person and caller are connected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No.60/858,171, filed Nov. 10, 2006, the content of which is incorporatedherein in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D

Not applicable.

PARTIES OF JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is related to telecommunications, and inparticular, to methods and systems for providing telecommunicationsservices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Certain conventional telephone answering systems record messages andmake them available to subscribers. These messages can be retrievedthrough a telephone user interface, and in some cases, the messages aretransmitted to an email address and/or a telecommunication clientapplication running on a personal computer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Example embodiments are described herein that provide call notificationsand enable calls to be placed.

An example embodiment provides a method of processing a call,comprising: receiving at a call processing system a first call from acaller intended for a first person; transmitting over a data network toa terminal associated with the first person a notification regarding thefirst call; causing at least in part a user interface to be displayed onthe terminal via which the first person can indicate that a message isto be transmitted to the caller, the message including a link that whenactivated by the caller will initiate a second call with the firstperson; at least partly in response to receiving an indication from thefirst person that the message is to be transmitted to the caller,transmitting the message to a terminal associated with the caller; andat least partly in response to the caller activating the link, placingthe second call to a communications device associated with the firstperson, placing a third call to a communications device associated withthe caller, and bridging the first call and the second call.

An example embodiment provides a method of providing a callback message,comprising: receiving at a call processing system a first call from acaller intended for a first person; transmitting over a network to aterminal associated with the first person a notification regarding thefirst call; causing at least in part a user interface to be displayed onthe terminal via which the first person can indicate that a message isto be transmitted to the caller; at least partly in response toreceiving an indication from the first person that the message is to betransmitted to the caller, transmitting the message to the caller,wherein the message includes an identification of the first person, acallback control, and text indicating that the caller is to activate thecontrol to initiate another call to the first person; at least partly inresponse to the caller activating the control, at least partly causing asecond call to be placed via which the first person and caller areconnected.

An example embodiment provides a system for transmitting a link,comprising: a telecommunications interface; a data network interface;and a call processing system coupled to the telecommunications interfaceand the data network interface, the call processing system configured toreceive a first voice call via the telecommunications interface,transmit a first message using the data network to the intendedrecipient of the voice call via which the intended recipient canindicate that a callback message is to be transmitted to a second personthat initiated the first voice call, and transmit a second messageincluding text to the second person via which the second person caninitiate a callback to the first person without incurring a fee for thecallback call.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the drawings summarized below. These drawings and theassociated description are provided to illustrate example embodiments ofthe invention, and not to limit the scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network operating environment for advancedtelecommunications services.

FIG. 2 illustrates a first example telecommunications client call logand user contacts user interface.

FIG. 3 illustrates a second example user interface of a call log anduser contacts.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example Email Call Notification with an embeddedCaller Call Back link.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example Call Notification sent as a web-basedEmail.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example Call Notification web-based Email withmessage playing.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example Call Notification with a link to webinterface for sending the caller a Call Back Email message.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example web page prompting a subscriber to enterthe email address of the caller after selecting the Call Back link shownin FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example Email sent by the Subscriber to the Callerto be used in the initiation of a Call Back.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example Web page showing a Call Progress, CallBack User Interface.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example operating environment and example callback service.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is related to telecommunications, and inparticular, to methods and systems for providing subscribers withtelecommunications services and for providing enhanced callbackservices.

GLOSSARY

AIN—Advanced Intelligent Network

CP—Carrier Partner

HTML—Hypertext Markup Language

HTTP—Hypertext Transfer Protocol

IP—Intelligent Peripheral

MMS—Multimedia message service

MSC—Mobile Switching Center

SCP—Service Control Point

SMS—Short Message Service

SS7—Signaling System 7

URL—Uniform Resource Locator

System and Operation Description

VoIP—Voice Over Internet Protocol

Certain embodiments provide methods and systems via which a serviceprovider can offer services that enable subscribers to forward callnotifications and messages to callers. The call notifications contain alink or other control that can be used by a caller to “call back” asubscriber for free, at a reduced cost, or that, in addition toproviding the call back provides one or more other benefits to thecaller (e.g., a credit for a future call or a discount for some otherproduct or service, such as a telecommunications service). Optionally,the call notifications and messages sent to the caller can include a URLlink (or other link-type, such as other types of resource identifiers(e.g., eXtensible Resource Identifiers, Internationalized ResourceIdentifiers, etc.)) to a registration site where the caller can become asubscriber to call answering and/or other telecommunications services.

Providing subscribers with a link (e.g., a “free calling” link or a“reduced cost calling link”) in their call notifications can simplifyand reduce the cost to the subscriber of returning a call if thesubscriber forwards the call notification back to the original caller.This call notification process and free calling for the caller improvesthe subscriber's overall communications experience, thereby increasingthe attractiveness and value of the service provider'stelecommunications service offering.

The notification/message transmitted to the caller optionally includes apromotional message for the service provider's services and/or otherproducts/services. Providing a promotional message for the serviceprovider's services or other products/services in the notification canreduce the provider's customer acquisition costs and/or can generateadvertising revenues (e.g., from third parties paying a fee or benefitfor the inclusion of promotional messages/links in suchnotifications/messages).

In an example embodiment, a telecommunications system providessubscribers with a call answering service for their cell phone, wirelinephone, and/or VoIP call notifications. Notifications regarding missedcalls and messages left by callers (e.g., left by callers in response toa prompt played by the telecommunications system and recorded by thetelecommunications system and stored in memory) are transmitted to asubscriber (e.g., to an email address associated with the subscriber) asa file or as a link embedded in or attached to an email (or othercommunication capable of including a link and/or a file). The subscribercan access the messages (e.g., via a computer system, such as a personalcomputer, smart phone, interactive television, etc.) and review, reply,delete, and/or forward the message, by way of example.

Optionally, if the subscriber replies or forwards the notification to acaller (e.g., when the subscriber is available to speak with thecaller), the caller can click on an embedded link (or other control) inthe message in order to call the subscriber back. Optionally, thesubscriber can include a message in the notification (e.g., informingthe caller when the subscriber will be available to speak with thecaller). Optionally, the subscriber can specify the date and time thenotification is to be transmitted to the caller using date and timescheduling fields. When the caller receives the notification and clickson the link, a corresponding indication is provided to the callprocessing system (e.g., as a result of the corresponding URL beingaccessed by the caller device which received the notification and linkclick), which causes the call processing system to place a call to theoriginal caller, then a call to the subscriber, and then the two callsare bridged upon answer by the subscriber, without requiring theoriginal caller to redial the subscriber's phone number (optionally, thecalls can be placed substantially simultaneously to the subscriber andcaller and then bridged; or to the subscriber first, then the caller,and then the calls are bridged).

The original caller may decide s/he would like to subscribe to, or findout additional information regarding a service offered by thetelecommunications system (e.g., one or more of the services describedabove, a similar service or other service). The original caller canselect a corresponding embedded link (e.g., associated with text/iconthat describes the services and/or instructs the caller to select thelink to receiving more information about one or more services and/or toregister for one or more services) within the email (or othercommunication) which directs the caller to an appropriate user interface(e.g., a online registration user interface, a faq (frequently askedquestions) page, a promotional page or other appropriate userinterface), such as one accessed over the Internet as a Web page.

Certain embodiments of the call processing system providing these typesof call notification and messaging services use triggers, such as SS7Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) triggers. In an example embodiment,to support this service, the service provider configures a trigger atthe appropriate points in an inbound and/or outbound call for acustomer/subscriber. In an example embodiment, when a certain triggerfires, a softswitch (e.g., acting as a Service Control Point (SCP) inthe SS7 network, and connecting calls from one phone line to another,using, for example, software running on a computer system), receives aquery that enables the softswitch to control, at least in part, the calland optionally control the visual presentation of the call (or message)to the caller, and/or the called party.

In an example embodiment, enhanced call management and call routingservices are provided via Common Channel Signaling (CCS) or CommonChannel Interoffice Signaling (CCIS) information, such as, by way ofexample, via SS7 Intelligent Network (IN) triggers in the switches oflocal exchange telephone companies. For example, SS7 AIN triggers areset in the switches of carriers, such as Carrier Partners (e.g.,carriers who are partners with a third party call processing operator inproviding enhanced call processing services) to provide callingservices. In another example, SS7 Wireless Intelligent Network (WIN)triggers are set in the mobile switches of wireless carriers, such aswireless carrier partners, to provide calling services. In anotherexample, Non-Intelligent Network Signaling (e.g., ISDN, CLASS CallForwarding services) is used to originate, terminate, forward, andbridge calls.

Throughout the following description, the term “Web site” or “Web” isused to refer to a user-accessible network site that implements thebasic World Wide Web standards for the coding and transmission ofhypertextual documents. These standards currently include HTML (theHypertext Markup Language) and HTTP (the Hypertext Transfer Protocol).It should be understood that the term “site” is not intended to imply asingle geographic location, as a Web or other network site can, forexample, include multiple geographically distributed computer systemsthat are appropriately linked together. Furthermore, while the followingdescription relates to an embodiment utilizing the Internet and relatedprotocols, other networks, such as networked interactive televisions,and other protocols may be used as well.

Further, while the description herein refers to example network andtelephony standards and protocols, other standards and protocols can beused as well. In addition, while references may be made to electronicaddress books or contact lists, other data stores and formats can beused to store contact information. While certain intelligent networktriggers are referred to herein, other triggers, events, or services canbe used as well such as call forwarding, call bridging, callorigination, and call termination for example. In addition, unlessotherwise indicated, the functions described herein may be performed byexecutable code and instructions stored in computer readable memory andrunning on one or more processor-based systems. However, state machines,and/or hardwired electronic circuits can also be utilized. Further, withrespect to the example processes described herein, not all the processstates need to be reached, nor do the states have to be performed in theillustrated order. Further, certain process states that are illustratedas being serially performed can be performed in parallel.

Similarly, while certain examples may refer to a personal computersystem or data device, other computer or electronic systems can be usedas well, such as, without limitation, an interactive television, anetworked-enabled personal digital assistant (PDA), a networked gameconsole, a networked entertainment device, and so on. While certainreferences are made to certain example system components or services,other components and services can be used as well. In addition, whilecertain user inputs are described as being provided via phone keypresses or by clicking on a button, optionally, user inputs can beprovides using other techniques, such as by voice or otherwise. Whilecertain phone numbers or addresses are referenced for purposes ofillustration, other phone numbers, electronic addresses, locators, oridentifiers can be used as well.

While certain examples refer to certain example messaging protocols(e.g., SMS or MMS, instant messaging, email) for illustrative purposes,other messaging protocols can be used as well.

In addition, certain call management capabilities described hereinutilize a telecommunications client (e.g., a personal computer client, aclient hosted on an interactive television, a network personal digitalassistant, a smart phone, or a wireless phone with an Internetconnection, etc.) to give the customer access to and management of calls(e.g., see example client application user interface illustrated in FIG.2). Optionally, a customer can have multiple clients hosted on multiplecomputers or other hosts. In an example embodiment, thetelecommunications client application connects to and communicates witha softswitch via the Internet, an intranet, or other network.

The client application, executing on a subscriber's computer terminal orother host, can make the subscriber's online presence known to thesoftswitch (e.g., by transmitting a message over the Internet to thesoftswitch). Optionally, the client can be used to receive, edit, anddisplay call log data from the softswitch (e.g., a list of calls placedto/received by the subscriber, or placed by the subscriber, includingphone numbers, caller or called party names, date/time of the call, anindication as to whether a call was an outbound/inbound call, thecity/state of the caller/called party, type of call voice or fax, etc.),and/or call alert data (e.g., for an active call, listing the callerphone number, name, city/state, and/or call status (e.g., ringing,playing greeting, recording caller message, terminating call, displayingfax)). Optionally, the call alert also plays an audible signal, such asa ring tone.

The client application can display a log of recorded messages fromcallers, and optionally can provide playback controls (e.g., play, fastforward, rewind) for playing back or displaying the recorded message(e.g., a voice message, a video message, a fax message, etc.) via theclient computer terminal. The client optionally can also be used toscreen calls (e.g., wherein the softswitch streams a message being leftby a caller to the client so that the called party can listen to themessage in substantially real time) and to instruct the softswitch toaccept calls on the host computer terminal, forward calls, refuse calls,initiate call conferencing, and to otherwise provide call handlinginstructions. Options are also provided in the client to respond tocalls using a text reply option (e.g., via an SMS message) and/ormultimedia reply option (e.g., via an MMS message). In addition, optionsare provided whereby a user can search their call log database, contactdatabase and/or the web.

By way of example, with respect to call alerts, when a call alert isreceived by the client, as part of call presentation, a ringing sound isoptionally played via the client host. If the host is a portable devicewith a vibration option enabled, optionally the call alert will causethe portable device to vibrate in addition or instead of providing anaudible alert. Optionally, the incoming call is displayed in a callalert user interface for a first amount of time (e.g., a set time, suchas 5 seconds, or for a user configurable period of time), and then thecall appears in the associated call log.

Referring to FIG. 2, an example call log user interface, such as onethat can be displayed via the telecommunications client, is illustrated.In this example interface, a call is indicated by an entry in the log. Alog entry can include some or all of the following: a caller name, acaller phone address/identifier, a call time/date, a call type, amessage/fax length (where a message has been recorded or a faxreceived), an indication as to whether the user has viewed the logentry, an indication as to whether the user has played a recorded callermessage (where a message has been recorded), an indication as to whetherthe user has viewed a fax (where a fax has been received), etc. Inaddition, the number of new calls received is displayed in a statusfield.

Optionally, the customer can instruct the user interface (e.g., via amenu selection or by clicking on a field title) to sort the log by name,by call type (e.g., voice message, fax call, etc.), by time/date, bymessage length (optionally, voice messages are displayed first, sortedby message length in time, then fax messages are displayed, sorted bypage length, although fax messages can be displayed first, and voicemessages second).

When a call is selected in the call log user interface, the associatedcontact record (e.g., including the caller name, address, email address,phone number, fax number, and/or other information) is optionallydisplayed in a Contacts area (e.g., a window). Other contact records maybe displayed as well.

A customer with an Outcall service enabled (e.g., via their accountassociated with the softswitch services), enabling the customer to placea call via the softswitch, has an example “Call Now” button asillustrated in FIG. 2. When the Call Now button is clicked or otherwiseactivated, a call is initiated to the call or contact that currently isselected (e.g., in the call log). The call origination begins with thesoftswitch calling the customer's landline phone (or other designateddefault phone). Optionally, instead the softswitch can first call thedestination selected destination. If the customer has configured morethan one phone (e.g., a landline phone and a mobile cell phone),clicking the Call Now button in the example user interface results in adrop down menu (or other selection interface) via which a user canselect the phone to be used (e.g., “from my home phone”, “from my cellphone”).

A telecommunications client is just an example user interface. FIG. 3illustrates another example call log user interface presented via abrowser to a customer. The browser can be executing on a computerterminal, such as a personal computer, a Wireless Application Protocol(WAP)-enabled phone, a smart phone, a PDA or the like. The call log canbe accessed by supplying the appropriate URL to the browser andoptionally providing log-on information, such as a user name and apassword.

FIG. 4 illustrates still another example method via which users canreceive call notifications and voice messages. In this example, JohnDoe, a Google® Gmail® user has just received a 10 second voice messagevia email from a caller, David Trandal. The email reports who left themessage, the phone address or other phone identifier (e.g., work phone),caller location (e.g., address, city, and/or state as determined by thesoftswitch from call signaling information a contact record associatedwith the caller or otherwise), the message length, and the date/time ofthe call. From this visual web interface, a subscriber can play areceived message which is attached as a file using a play control (e.g.,a PLAY link 402), call the subscriber back (e.g., via a CALL BACK link404), and edit the contact information associated with the caller (e.g.,via an EDIT link 406). In addition, the email includes a link 408 todownload a telecommunications client as described above, and a link 410to change settings associated with the call answering service or otherservices provided via the softswitch.

The user interface further includes a notification 400 to the subscriberthat if the message is forwarded to the original caller (David Trandal),a link will be included that can be used by the caller to call thesubscriber John Doe back (for free in this example), in addition to anassociated message 401 (optionally editable or customizable by or forthe subscriber) informing the original caller of the purpose of the linkand that use of the service provided via the link will enable the callerto experience certain aspects of the service without charge (e.g., “Hey,Dave. Check out this new cool service. Click on the link below to callme back for free.”). Optionally, advertisements are included on the webpage used to access the email notification.

Another example call notification which can be sent as an email isillustrated in FIG. 5 including attractive graphics. In this example,the email includes a “From” field 502, listing the name of the caller,the caller phone address, the call date/time, and the message length.Optionally, the message (e.g., voice or video) may be attached as a fileto the email (enabling offline access), and/or a link may be included toan online message data store from which the message can be retrieved.Not all the foregoing information need be provided. For example, if thecaller has caller ID blocking, the phone address is not displayed. If nomessage was left and the notification is merely informing the subscriberthat a call was missed, message length information may be left blank,set to zero, or the message length field may be omitted altogether. An“open” control 506 is provided with an associated notification 504informing the user that if the user opens the attachment, the messagewill be played back to the user. In this example, the email includes animage 508 that appears to be an envelope (e.g., a hardcopy envelope),with an image of a stamp 510, a postmark 512, and a voice mailed/emailedmark 514 to enhance the “mail” association. Optionally, the email may bein the form of an HTML email, using enriched text, or otherwise.

FIG. 6 is an example of a call notification which has been “opened”(e.g., wherein the image is altered/changed so that the “envelope”,including the stamp and watermark, appears to be torn open). Onceopened, optionally, the message automatically plays, or the messageplays after the subscriber activates the appropriate playback control602. Optionally, other playback controls may be provided (e.g., rewind,fast forward, pause, etc.). While in this example the message is a voicemessage, optionally video messages, fax messages, or other message typescan be communicated via the call notification. In this example, a textreply control 604 is provided, which when activated will cause a textreply process to be initiated. Optionally, in addition or instead, amultimedia message reply control is provided, which when activated willcause a multimedia reply process to be initiated. In addition, a “callback” control is provided, which when activated, causes a callercallback procedure to be initiated (e.g., where the system calls thecaller phone address, a subscriber phone address, and when and if theparties answer the calls, the system bridges the calls together).

The “opened” call notification in this example also includes an image608 of the caller (e.g., obtained via a contact data store record usingcall signaling information, such as the caller phone address, as asearch term), and a “From” field listing the caller name, the callingphone address, an indication (via an icon) as to whether the call wasplaced from the caller's mobile phone, home landline phone, work phone,etc. (e.g., obtained via the contact data store record using the callerphone address), and the time/date of the call. A playback status bar 603is provided that visually indicates the progress of the message playbackas well as the message length. A “delete” control 601 is provided, whichwhen activated, causes the notification email to be deleted. Links 612are provided via which the subscriber may access their electroniccontacts address book, an account management user interface, and help.

The functionality, operation, and implementation for an example servicepromoting and registering subscribers to telecommunications serviceswill now be described in further detail.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example telecommunications network environment viawhich enhanced services can be provided.

A service provider or carrier (e.g., a Carrier Partner) customer 100 mayhave one or more landline phones 101 that connect to a local exchangeswitch or an SSP (Service Switching Point) 104 in the carrier's network102. The customer may also have one or more mobile phones 106 and one ormore hosts 108 (e.g., personal computers, networked televisions,personal digital assistants, smart phone, etc.) running atelecommunications client. In addition, a customer may have one or morephones 110 connected to a broadband connection (e.g., via a cable modemor DSL modem) wherein the phone (e.g., an analog phone coupled to ananalog phone adapter (ATA), a VoIP phone, a Skype phone, etc.) digitizesand packetizes voice data before transmitting over the broadbandconnection (e.g., using SIP or other protocol) to a call routing serviceprovider or other destination.

The telecommunications client has one or more user interfaces thatdisplay some or all of the following: a call log, text messages, acontact record/list, an optional automated character, and active,in-progress calls. In an example embodiment, the customer can elect toscreen or take an active call or respond to a caller with a message thatwill be viewable by the caller, such as a text message or a multimediamessage (e.g., an SMS message or MMS message). Optionally, calls canalso be made (originated) via the telecommunications client (e.g., wherethe host is equipped with a speaker and microphone). Optionally,information about a caller can be retrieved through a search function(e.g., wherein information regarding the caller is searched for over theInternet and/or via proprietary databases, such as databases reflectingan individual's or company's credit worthiness).

In this example, the softswitch 114 has a number of optional components,some of which are optionally centralized at a given location, others ofwhich may be co-located in the carrier's network (e.g., to reducenetwork transport costs). An SCP (Service Control Point) 116 is anoptional AIN component that interacts with the SSPs 104 (e.g., using theTCAP protocol). In an example embodiment, triggers, such as AINtriggers, are armed for the customer's phone number/address/account(e.g., landline phone line) so that when calls are made to or from acorresponding phone, a trigger fires and causes the SSP 104 to query theSCP 116 for instructions on how to handle the call. The SCP 116 isoptionally also configured to perform TCAP queries to other SS7components as needed by some services (e.g., request Automatic Callbackfrom another carrier's switch when a line becomes idle).

In an example non-AIN deployment, the softswitch 114 optionallyinterconnects with the PSTN 130 using, by way of example, SS7 signaling.In this case, in an example embodiment, the SS7 signaling informationassociated with a call terminates on a Call Controller subsystem 116 orthe like, and the trunks (or bearer channels) terminate on one or moreCall Managers 117 (described further below). Optionally, the CallController subsystem 116 and/or associated functions thereof, areincluded in the Call Manager subsystem 117.

In an example IP (e.g., VoIP) deployment scenario, the softswitch 114interconnects with the PSTN 130 through an IP connection using, forexample, Session Initiated Protocol (SIP) signaling. The IP network isoptionally directly connected to Internet devices or calls are gatewayedfrom IP-to-PSTN at Network Points-of-Presence (NetPOP) which provideaccess points to the Internet.

In an example embodiment, triggers, such as SS7 Wireless IntelligentNetwork (WIN) triggers, are set in the mobile switches of one or morewireless carriers (e.g., Wireless Carrier Partners) to provide similarcalling services as described herein with respect to a landline phonefor a customer's mobile phone number/address/account.

In an example embodiment, the softswitch 114 also contains one or moresystems referred to as Call Managers 117. The Call Managers 117 areconnected to the PSTN 130 (e.g., via ISDN using the ISUP protocol, byway of example, although other protocols can be used). The Call Managers117 provide some or all of the following: a call screening service whenscreening is to be provided, record a message from a caller that is tobe recorded, provide a voice prompt or message that is to be played to acaller and/or called party, record a facsimile document, detect speechor DTMF tones, convert speech that needs to be converted to text, and/orprovide a gateway between the SS7-based networks (PSTN) and SIP-basednetworks (VoIP).

The example Call Manager 117 optionally can also act as an IP(Intelligent Peripheral), another AIN component that the SCP 116 caninstruct the SSP 104 to connect into the call for interaction with thecalled and calling party. The IP/Call Managers 117 and SCPs 116 in thesoftswitch 114 optionally share a Call Registry 115 that storesinformation about active calls. The Call Manager 117 can communicatewith the mobile phones 106 across the PSTN 130 over a wireless network107 via the corresponding MSC 109.

One or more Session Managers 124 (e.g., in the softswitch 114)optionally track telecommunication client presence and interact with agiven telecommunications client (e.g., a client application hosted on apersonal computer, PDA, smart phone, or a-networked television) as calllog, contact, and/or customer data needs to be synchronized with one ormore databases (e.g., centralized or distributed databases, such as acall log database, 118, a contacts database 120, and/or a customersdatabase 122) to provide the customer, via the client, with updated log,contact, and/or customer data.

The Session Manager(s) 124 also optionally provide the SCP in an AINenvironment and the Call Manager in a non-AIN environment with serviceconfiguration information for the customer involved in a call. During anactive call, the SCP 116 and/or IP/Call Manager 117 optionally directlyor indirectly interact with the telecommunications client to providecall progress information, and to stream audio and/or visual content.

The softswitch 114 in this example contains centralized databases and/ora general-purpose storage area, optionally including, but not limitedto, some or all of the following: a call log database 118, a contactsdatabase 120, and a customer database 122. Optionally, the databases arenot centralized and may be distributed geographically and/or overdifferent systems. The call log database 118 stores call events andrelated data for incoming and/or outgoing calls and text and/ormultimedia messages. The contacts database 120 stores information andparameters (e.g., names, identifiers, and/or phone numbers/addresses,birthdays, notes, automated characters, etc.) associated with a sender,called, or calling party. The customer database 122 stores informationand parameters (e.g., account data and configuration information)associated with subscribers/customers/users.

The softswitch call processing system 114 optionally includes othersubsystems (not shown), such as some or all of the following: a routersubsystem, which serves as an interface to the Internet to managecommunications between online IP client devices and call processingservers, a web server subsystem to manage a “web site” associated withthe softswitch (e.g., via which a user can access an accountset-up/configuration user interface, a call log, a contacts database,etc., using a browser or other network user interface), etc. Thesesubsystems are optionally interconnected via a Local Area Network (LAN),a Wide Area Private Network (WAN), and/or a Wide Area Public Network(e.g., Internet).

Internet protocol telephony, such as VoIP (voice over Internetprotocol), may use, in whole or in part, the Session Initiation Protocol(SIP) as the signaling protocol. SIP is a standardized signalingprotocol which can be used for Internet conferencing, telephony,presence, events notification and instant messaging. The SessionInitiation Protocol is currently an Internet Engineering Task Force(IETF) standard protocol. There may be several versions andimplementations of SIP. SIP, by way of example, enables one or more ofthe following services to be provided, using proxy servers and end userclient systems:

1. Call forwarding: call forwarding can be provided in response to oneor more of the following conditions: ring-no answer, busy, unconditionalcall forwarding, address manipulations (such as permanent numbers (e.g.,700 numbers), free phone numbers (e.g., 800, 866 numbers), and paidinformation numbers (e.g., 900 numbers)).

2. Call recipient and calling number identification

3. Personal mobility

4. Caller and call recipient authentication

5. Invitations to a multicast conference

6. Basic Automatic Call Distribution (ACD)

A call may be routed partially over the Internet, using SIP, andpartially over a circuit-switched network, such as a PSTN (publicswitched telephone network) or wireless network. The PSTN and wirelessnetworks may utilize a variety of signaling and other standards, such asthe SS7 signaling protocol.

SIP is a request-response protocol. In one embodiment, SIP can be usedfor establishing, manipulating and tearing down user sessions, whereinseveral users can optionally participate in a session. A session canoptionally involve multimedia elements including audio, video, instantmessaging, and/or other real-time data communications. By way of furtherexample, a session can be an Internet multimedia conference, an Internettelephone call and/or a multimedia distribution session. Optionally,session members can communicate using multicast and/or using a mesh ofunicast relations.

SIP can optionally run over UDP (User Datagram Protocol), TCP, IP, ATM,X.25 and/or other protocols. In one embodiment, SIP can work in theApplication layer of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)communications model.

By way of example, SIP invitations can be used to create sessions. Theinvitation can carry session descriptions that enable participants toagree on a set of compatible media types. SIP enables user mobility byproviding proxy services and redirecting requests to the user's currentlocation. For example, users can register their current location so thatcalls can be directed to a telephone or other terminal corresponding tothe location.

An example system that can be used to support SIP can include some orall of the following components:

An endpoint component, sometimes referred to as a user agent (UA), whichcan be a hardware and/or software device implementing or compatible withSIP, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) phone or other terminal. Theendpoint components can include a client used to initiate calls and aserver used to answer calls. By way of further example, a SIP Proxy, aSIP phone, a call processing system, and so on, can be SIP endpoints.

A SIP network server that handles signaling associated with one or morecalls. By way of example, in an optional embodiment, the network serverprovides name resolution and user location. The SIP network server caninclude one or more additional servers. For example, the SIP server caninclude a Register server used to receive registration messages fromendpoints regarding current user location. Using a mapping database, theRegister server can map the SIP addresses with the physical location orlocations in the domain where the endpoint is located. The SIP networkserver can also include a proxy system that transmits call setup andtear down information and optionally forwards SIP messages to multipleproxy servers, creating a search tree, in order for the SIP messages toreach their destination. In addition, a SIP proxy can discover endpointcharacteristics of an endpoint by consulting a list of registrationtemplates, including dynamic configuration parameters, for thatendpoint. The network server can also include a SIP Redirect server thatenables endpoints to locate a desired address by redirecting one or moreof the endpoint to another server.

SIP addresses can be the form of uniform resource locators (URL). By wayof example, SIP addresses can optionally be embedded in Web pages. Incertain applications, a user can click on a SIP address embedded in aWeb or other electronic document, and in response, a call can be placedfrom the user terminal to the SIP address, and the user can then talk tothe person or system associated with the SIP address and/or send datafiles to the person or system associated with the SIP address.

When making a SIP call using a SIP terminal, the SIP terminal locatesthe appropriate server and then sends a SIP request, such as aninvitation that initiates a session. The request may directly reach theintended call recipient, or the request may be redirected or may triggera chain of new SIP requests by proxies. If a call is to be routedthrough a number of different proxy servers, a redirect server can beused. When a caller's user agent sends an INVITE request to the redirectserver, the redirect server contacts the location server to determinethe path to the called party, and then the redirect server sends thatinformation back to the caller. The caller terminal then acknowledgesreceipt of the information. The caller terminal then sends a request tothe device indicated in the redirection information (e.g., the callrecipient terminal or another server that will forward the request).Once the request reaches the call recipient terminal, the recipientterminal transmits a response and the caller acknowledges the response.

The Real Time Protocol (RTP), Real Time Control Protocol (RTCP), and/orother appropriate protocols can be used to send audio using packets overthe Internet to allow the caller and call recipient to verballycommunicate. By way of example, the packets can optionally be UDPpackets.

Optionally, calls directed to one more selected numbers can be routed bya SIP provider to a call processing system optionally operated by aseparate entity than the SIP provider. The call processing system canprovide telephone services by integrating with one or more InternetServices Providers (ISP), SIP providers and/or other telephonyproviders.

FIG. 11 depicts an example call scenario in which a caller dials acustomer's phone address. The called party, a subscriber to atelecommunications service offering, is unavailable and a message isrecorded by the softswitch and transmitted to the subscriber's emailaddress. Later, the subscriber requests a call back by sending a freecalling invitational email message to the caller, the message includinga link to call the subscriber back and optionally including a portion ofthe recorded message or a link to the recorded message. The caller callsthe subscriber back by clicking on the link and then, after the call,chooses to subscribe to a telecommunications service.

State 1. A Caller dials the customer's landline phone number/address (orother phone-type). The call is routed through the PSTN to a carrier(e.g., a CP). In this example, the call is routed to a carrier's ServiceSwitching Point (SSP) serving the customer's landline phone.

State 2. Because the called party is unavailable in this example, thecall is not answered by the called party. After a specified number ofrings (e.g., a Ring-No-Answer Condition) and/or after a specified amountof time, the SSP forwards the call to a softswitch (e.g., an EnhancedService Provider softswitch and/or Call Processing System). In theforwarded call, the SSP includes some or all of the call signalinginformation associated with the call, including, for example, the callerphone number/address, a privacy indicator, a designation of whether thecall was a forwarded call, and/or the called party identifier (e.g.,phone number/address or account number).

State 3. The receiving softswitch verifies the called phone number isthat of a customer (e.g., a subscriber of a service offered by theoperator of the softswitch and/or other entity having an accountassociated with the softswitch), optionally by determining if the calledphone number or other identifier associated with the called partymatches a customer number in the customer database (which storescustomer account records). The softswitch SCP/Call Controller queriesthe softswitch Session Manager to obtain some or all of the following:service configuration for the customer being called, the customer's calllocation, the customer's online status (e.g., online or offline), andcontact information for the caller.

State 4. Optionally, the Session Manager notifies the customer'stelecommunications client on the SCP/Call Controller's behalf that thereis an incoming call. The client displays the call in its active callwindow (e.g., a call alert user interface).

State 5. The Call Manager begins playing a greeting (e.g., a cannedgreeting or a greeting prerecorded by the customer, such as one thatstates the customer is unavailable and to leave a message after thetone), records a message from the caller, and then hangs-up (or thecaller hangs-up).

State 6. The Call Manager logs the call and optionally updates the callfrequency information for the contact (e.g., the Call Manager tracks thetotal number of calls received from a given phone number and/or caller,wherein the “total number of calls” can be the total number of callsreceived from a specific date, calls received within a specified timeperiod, or otherwise). The telecommunications client or call log webpage clears the active call display and optionally adds the call to thetop of the call log. Optionally, the recorded message is transmitted tothe email address of the subscriber.

State 7. The subscriber logs into his/her email, reviews the recordedmessage and decides s/he would like a call back from the caller. Thesubscriber clicks on a link in the email call notification requesting afree call back from the caller as illustrated in an example shown inFIG. 7, which includes a “Click here to get a Call Back” from the callerlink 702. The user interface illustrated in FIG. 7 further reports wholeft the message, the phone address or other phone identifier (e.g.,work phone), caller location (e.g., address, city, and/or state), themessage length, and the date/time of the call. Optionally, a wholly orpartially prepopulated web page is presented to the subscriber withfields for the caller's name and phone number, the subscriber's phonenumber, and a prepopulated or blank field for the email address of thecaller. Optionally, the subscriber can modify one or more of thedisplayed fields. Optionally, one or more fields are provide via whichthe caller can indicate a time of day after which they prefer not to becalled, a time range that they prefer not to be called, or a time rangein which they want to be called.

FIG. 8 is an example of a web page user interface displayed to asubscriber in response to selection of the email call notification link(e.g., such as that illustrated in FIG. 7). The user interface displaysthe original caller's name and the caller phone address from which theoriginal call was placed, and informs the subscriber that the originalcaller can call the subscriber's phone for free up until a specifieddate and time. The original caller phone address will optionally be usedas part of the call back process. Optionally, the subscriber can accessthe user's contact record for the caller and can select another callerphone address to be used in the call back operation.

The user interface illustrated in FIG. 8 includes a field 802 isprovided via which the subscriber can enter an email address associatedwith the original caller (other embodiments enable the user to specifyother destination addresses associated with the caller, such as an MMSaddress). Optionally, the email address is prepopulated usinginformation obtained from the subscriber's contact database record forthe caller or elsewhere. Clicking a “send” control 804 causes a freecalling email invitation to be sent to the caller at the specified emailaddress. Optionally, the subscriber can configure the subscriber'saccount (e.g., using an account configuration user interface providedvia a web page) to cause such a notification to be provided to allcallers, to all callers in the subscriber's address book, or certaincontacts specifically designated by the subscriber.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example call back communication in the form of anemail sent to the original caller. The email, when received by thecaller can be used by the original caller to call back the subscriberfor free. The communication includes a “From” field 902 with the name ofthe subscriber that the caller had previously called and that initiatedthe communication; a subject field 904 stating that the subscriber isrequesting a call back from the call; a message field 906 stating thatthe subscriber received a message from the caller at a specified dateand time; optionally, message previously recorded by the caller for thesubscriber is attached for the caller's reference. The message field 906further includes text informing the original caller that to call backthe subscriber for free, the original caller should click a specifiedcall back link 910. The message further explains how the call backprocedure will be performed (e.g., the system will first call thecaller's phone number and then the subscriber's phone number).

Optionally, the user interface includes a field via which the originalcaller can specify an alternate caller phone address to which the callback is to be placed. Optionally, an opt out message and link 912 isprovided, wherein the opt out message states that if the caller does notwant to receive such call back requests in the future the caller shouldclick the opt out link 912. If the caller activates the link, anassociated URL is accessed that is associated with the softswitch whichrecords the opt out indication in the link in associated with calleridentification information (e.g., the caller phone address or chargenumber obtained via call signaling information). Then, in the future, ifthe caller leaves a message for a subscriber, the softswitch will accessthe caller's instructions from its database (e.g., using the callerphone address or charge number obtained via the call signalinginformation to locate the instruction in the database), determine thatthe caller does not want to receive a call back notification, and willnot ask the called subscriber if the subscriber wants such a call backmessage to be transmitted to the caller (or will ask but will notforward the call back notification and so inform the subscriber). Thecommunication optionally also includes a message and corresponding link914, wherein the message informs the caller that if the caller wants toobtain additional information regarding such telecommunication services,the caller is to activate the link.

State 8. The caller goes online (or is already online) checks thecaller's email, accesses and opens the call back communication forwardedfrom the subscriber, and selects the call back link. FIG. 9 illustratesan example call back communication in the form of an email sent to theoriginal caller. The email, when received by the caller can be used bythe original caller to call back the subscriber for free. Thecommunication includes a “From” field 902 with the name of thesubscriber that the caller had previously called and that initiated thecommunication; a subject field 904 stating that the subscriber isrequesting a call back from the call; a message field 906 stating thatthe subscriber received a message from the caller at a specified dateand time; optionally, message previously recorded by the caller for thesubscriber is attached for the caller's reference. The message field 906further includes text informing the original caller that to call backthe subscriber for free, the original caller should click a specifiedcall back link 910. The message further explains how the call backprocedure will be performed (e.g., the system will first call thecaller's phone number and then the subscriber's phone number.

Optionally, the user interface includes a field via which the originalcaller can specify an alternate caller phone address to which the callback is to be placed. Optionally, an opt out message and link 912 isprovided, wherein the opt out message states that if the caller does notwant to receive such call back requests in the future the caller shouldclick the opt out link 912. If the caller activates the link, anassociated URL is accessed that is associated with the softswitch whichrecords the opt out indication in the link in associated with calleridentification information (e.g., the caller phone address or chargenumber obtained via call signaling information). Then, in the future, ifthe caller leaves a message for a subscriber, the softswitch will accessthe caller's instructions from its database (e.g., using the callerphone address or charge number obtained via the call signalinginformation to locate the instruction in the database), determine thatthe caller does not want to receive a call back notification, and willnot ask the called subscriber if the subscriber wants such a call backmessage to be transmitted to the caller (or will ask but will notforward the call back notification and so inform the subscriber). Thecommunication optionally also includes a message and corresponding link914, wherein the message informs the caller that if the caller wants toobtain additional information regarding such telecommunication services,the caller is to activate the link.

Clicking on the callback link causes a web page to pop up (e.g., in abrowser or other application) that describes how the Call Back serviceworks. FIG. 10 illustrates an example Call Back user interface. The webpage includes a title noting that the web page is associated with thefree callback service. The web page further states which and whosephones will be connected. The time until the call to the caller will beplaced is provided via a count down counter. When the number of secondsreaches zero, the softswitch begins placing calls as described in theexample states below.

State 9. The softswitch originates an outbound call to the caller andoptionally plays a brief message introducing the callback. The userinterface (e.g., provided via web browser pop-up) displays the callprogress (e.g., calling your phone, ringing your phone, answer or othercall progress messages).

State 10. The softswitch, upon detecting an answer condition, where thecaller has answered the call placed by the softswitch, (or optionallyafter ring back is received), originates an outbound call to thesubscriber. Once the call has been originated, the call is bridged withthe call to the caller so the caller can hear ringing. Optionally or inaddition, the web browser displays the call progress (e.g., calling<subscriber number>, ringing, answer or similar call progress messages).An analog or digital clock can optionally be presented in the webbrowser when the subscriber answers to give the caller an indication ofthe length of the call.

State 11. Once the call connecting the subscriber and caller completes(e.g., upon a hang-up by one of the participants), the user interfacepresented in the web browser can optionally update the call progresswith the length of call and a notice that the call has ended.Optionally, an invite to register for the service is presented via auser interface on the web browser with a web form or other userinterface to receive/capture necessary and/or desired information.

State 12. If the window was closed during the phone call, optionally thesubscriber can still click on the link of the invitational email to findout additional information about the telecommunication service (or otherservices) offered by the service provider and/or register for theseservices.

Optionally at state 7, the subscriber forwards the call notificationmessage to the caller, the notification including a link that can beused by the caller to call back the subscriber for free. Thenotification can include a portion of the voice message (e.g., in voiceformat and/or a text version of the voice message) recorded by thecaller for the called party to aid the caller in associating thenotification with a specific previous call by the caller. FIG. 4,discussed above, is an example Voice Mail to Email message with anembedded link 401 that can be used by the original caller to call thesubscriber back for free. Optionally, when the link is selected by thecaller, this causes a web browser to open and displays call progress asillustrated in FIG. 10.

Referring to FIG. 10, the user interface informs the original callerthat a free call is being placed to a phone number associated with theoriginal caller (e.g., the phone address from which the original callerplaced the original call, which was obtained from call signalinginformation associated with the original call).

Optionally, at state 8, the web browser pop up may require the originalcaller to enter the phone number s/he would like to return the free callto. If the number entered is not the subscriber's (or contactinformation related to the subscriber (e.g., mobile phone number)) anerror message may be displayed stating that the “free” feature is notavailable to this number. Optionally, a message can be displayedallowing a call back but letting the subscriber know this is not a freeservice and/or is not included in the existing service.

Further, at state 8, the softswitch optionally determines that theoriginal call from the caller to the subscriber was made from a cellphone (for example, by querying a database). In this case, optionally,the softswitch prompts the user, via the web browser display (or thetelecommunications client), by asking the user if the user would like toreceive the call on another line. If so, the subscriber can enter a newphone number to be called in a corresponding field. Optionally, thevisual interface displays a bridge number the subscriber can call into(rather than the softswitch originating the call leg to the subscriber),a local calling number, and/or a toll free number by way of example.

Optionally, at state 9, the softswitch displays other information beyondcall progress. For example, the browser optionally displays an Avatar(e.g., an animated character) figure. The Avatar figure optionally lipsyncs with a player speaking the call progress steps. Optionally, whenthe call is connected in state 10, the Avatar figure lip syncs with thecalled party (e.g., wherein the softswitch detects spoken words on a legof the bridge call and syncs with the expressions and lips of the Avatardisplayed to the caller). The Avatar can be a generic character createdby the service provider, a custom Avatar created by the called party, oran Avatar selected by the caller.

Certain embodiments can be used in conjunction with the systems andmethods described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/854,381, filedSep. 12, 2007, the contents of which are incorporated herein in theirentirety.

Optionally at State 9, the softswitch prompts the caller to take thecall from the caller's computer or other softphone (e.g., to reduce thecost to the service provider and/or improve the quality of the call). Inthis example, the caller enters or otherwise provides the caller'ssoftphone address and the softswitch generates a VoIP call to thecaller's computer (or other designated softphone). In another example,the forwarded message optionally includes a softphone client applicationwhich optionally automatically installs (or in response to a usergesture) on the caller's computer or other host. This “softphone” canoptionally be used to call the subscriber back rather than using thebridged call scenario described above.

Optionally, the call to the subscriber is made by the softswitch so thecall should be “free” to the caller, although this may depend upon thecalling plan of the caller. For example, depending on their cell phoneservice provider plan, the call might not be free to the caller if thecaller took the call from their cell phone.

Optionally, the subscriber can send free (or optionally reduced cost)calling messages to one or more of his contacts or in response to calls.Optionally, the call processing system can limit the number and/orlength of “free/reduced cost” calls between two called parties by day,month, class of service, or other means.

While certain of the above examples refer to calls forwarded to thesoftswitch (e.g., on a ring-no-answer condition), the calls optionallycould have been placed directly to the softswitch. For example, the callcould have been placed to a virtual phone number associated with thecustomer and “owned” by the softswitch, so that calls to the virtualphone number are received at the softswitch without needing to beforwarded (e.g., where the call terminates directly on the softswitch).A customer account can be enabled for the free calling service in thesoftswitch.

While the foregoing detailed description discloses several embodimentsof the present invention, it should be understood that this disclosureis illustrative only and is not limiting of the present invention. Itshould be appreciated that the specific configurations and operationsdisclosed can differ from those described above, and that the methodsdescribed herein can be used in contexts other than for providing freecall backs.

1. A method of processing a call, comprising: receiving at a callprocessing system a first call from a caller intended for a firstperson, the call processing system including a computing device;transmitting, via the call processing system, over a data network to aterminal associated with the first person a notification regarding thefirst call; causing at least in part a user interface to be displayed onthe terminal via which the first person can indicate that a message isto be transmitted to the caller, the message including a link that whenactivated by the caller will initiate a second call with the firstperson; at least partly in response to receiving, at the call processingsystem, an indication from the first person that the message is to betransmitted to the caller, transmitting the message to a terminalassociated with the caller; and at least partly in response to thecaller activating the link, placing, via the call processing system, thesecond call to a communications device associated with the first person,placing a third call to a communications device associated with thecaller, and bridging the first call and the second call.
 2. The methodas defined in claim 1, wherein the terminal is a personal computer or asmart phone.
 3. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the first callnotification is displayed via a communications client hosted on theterminal or via a browser.
 4. The method as defined in claim 1, whereinthe first call notification is transmitted via email to the firstperson.
 5. The method as defined in claim 1, wherein the message istransmitted via email to the caller.
 6. The method as defined in claim1, the method further comprising: obtaining a phone address associatedwith the caller from signaling information associated with the firstcall, wherein the third call is placed to the phone address.
 7. Themethod as defined in claim 1, the method further comprising providing auser interface via which the caller can specify a phone address to whichthe third call is to be placed.
 8. The method as defined in claim 1, themethod further comprising including in the transmittal of the message tothe caller at least a portion of, and/or a link to the voice messageleft by the first person in a voice and/or text format.
 9. The method asdefined in claim 1, the method further comprising providing a userinterface within the message via which the caller can indicate thatfuture similar messages are not to be transmitted to the caller.
 10. Themethod as defined in claim 1, wherein the caller is not charged for thesecond call or the third call.
 11. A method of providing a callbackmessage, comprising: receiving at a call processing system a first callfrom a caller intended for a first person, the call processing systemincluding a computing device; transmitting, via the call processingsystem, over a network to a terminal associated with the first person anotification regarding the first call; causing at least in part a userinterface to be displayed on the terminal via which the first person canindicate that a message is to be transmitted to the caller; at leastpartly in response to receiving an indication from the first person thatthe message is to be transmitted to the caller, transmitting, via thecall processing system, the message to the caller, wherein the messageincludes an identification of the first person, a callback control, andtext indicating that the caller is to activate the control to initiateanother call to the first person; and at least partly in response to thecaller activating the control, at least partly causing, via the callprocessing system, a second call to be placed via which the first personand caller are connected.
 12. The method as defined in claim 11, whereinthe first call notification is displayed via a browser or acommunications client hosted on the terminal.
 13. The method as definedin claim 11, wherein the first call notification is transmitted viaemail to the first person.
 14. The method as defined in claim 11,wherein the message is transmitted via email to the caller.
 15. Themethod as defined in claim 12, the method further comprising includingin the message to the caller, at least a portion of the voice messageleft by the first person in a voice and/or text format.
 16. The methodas defined in claim 11, the method further comprising providing a userinterface via which the caller can specify a phone address which is tobe used in placing the second call.
 17. The method as defined in claim11, the method further comprising providing a user interface within themessage via which the caller can indicate that a future callback messageis not to be transmitted to the caller.
 18. The method as defined inclaim 11, wherein the second call is placed to a phone addressassociated with the caller, a third call is placed is placed to a phoneaddress associated with the first person, and the second call and thethird call are bridged.
 19. The method as defined in claim 11, whereinthe caller is not charged for the second call.
 20. The method as definedin claim 11, wherein the call back control is a resource identifier. 21.A system for transmitting a link, comprising: a telecommunicationsinterface; a data network interface; and a call processing systemcoupled to the telecommunications interface and the data networkinterface, the call processing system configured to receive a firstvoice call via the telecommunications interface, transmit a firstmessage using the data network to the intended recipient of the voicecall via which the intended recipient can indicate that a callbackmessage is to be transmitted to a second person that initiated the firstvoice call, and transmit a second message including text and a link tothe second person via which the second person can initiate a callback tothe first person without incurring a fee for the callback call byactivating the link included in the second message.
 22. The system asdefined in claim 21, wherein the call processing system is configured toplace a second voice call to a communications device associated with thefirst person, to place a third voice call to a communications deviceassociated with the second person, and to connect the second and thirdcall.
 23. The system as defined in claim 21, wherein the call processingsystem is further configured to record voice messages and to streamvoice messages to a client application hosted on a user terminal. 24.The system as defined in claim 21, wherein the link is a uniformresource locator.
 25. The system as defined in claim 21, the systemfurther comprising a user interface via which a caller can indicate thata future callback message is not to be transmitted to the caller.